The Rise and Fall of Secular Humanism

 

Summary

In today's discussion, I delved into the rise and decline of secular humanism, a significant influence on our contemporary culture. This exploration is particularly relevant for young people who may not have lived through the cultural shifts that have shaped our current society. Secular humanism, along with revived paganism, represents a Oneist ideology, which fundamentally opposes the Christian worldview. Historically, secular humanism emerged as a response to the fear of communism and Marxism, which were perceived as godless systems threatening the world. This ideology gained momentum during the Enlightenment, where reason was elevated as the ultimate authority, dismissing religious beliefs as mere superstition.

The Enlightenment's optimism in human reason led to a belief in a "kingdom of man on earth," a concept that aligns with Oneism. This movement was notably expressed during the French Revolution, where reason was celebrated over religious faith. Influential figures like Voltaire and Nietzsche contributed to the anti-religious sentiment, predicting the end of religion. This mindset infiltrated the church, leading to liberalism, which sought to reinterpret Christianity through a secular lens, stripping away its supernatural elements.

Despite its initial triumph, secular humanism is now witnessing a decline. The optimism of secular humanism was marred by the devastation of two World Wars and the rise of totalitarian regimes, which highlighted its shortcomings. Moreover, secular humanism's materialistic worldview left many feeling alienated and devoid of spiritual meaning. This has led to a resurgence of interest in spirituality, as people seek a sense of wholeness beyond mere physical existence.

The decline of secular humanism is also due to its philosophical weaknesses. It relies on the presupposition of human reason, which is inherently circular and lacks a solid foundation. Postmodern critiques have further undermined its credibility. Notably, the conversion of prominent atheist Antony Flew to theism underscores the inability of secularism to justify the human mind. As secular humanism wanes, a new spirituality is emerging, reminiscent of ancient beliefs, signaling a shift in cultural paradigms.

Key Takeaways:

- Secular humanism and revived paganism, though seemingly different, share a Oneist ideology that fundamentally opposes the Christian worldview. This ideology elevates human reason above divine revelation, dismissing religious beliefs as superstition. [01:04]

- The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason as the ultimate authority led to a belief in a "kingdom of man on earth," which aligns with Oneism. This movement was notably expressed during the French Revolution, where reason was celebrated over religious faith. [05:53]

- Despite its initial triumph, secular humanism is now witnessing a decline due to its philosophical weaknesses and the devastation caused by its materialistic worldview. This has led to a resurgence of interest in spirituality, as people seek a sense of wholeness beyond mere physical existence. [19:37]

- The decline of secular humanism is also due to its reliance on the presupposition of human reason, which is inherently circular and lacks a solid foundation. Postmodern critiques have further undermined its credibility, highlighting the need for a more robust worldview. [21:14]

- The conversion of prominent atheist Antony Flew to theism underscores the inability of secularism to justify the human mind. As secular humanism wanes, a new spirituality is emerging, reminiscent of ancient beliefs, signaling a shift in cultural paradigms. [22:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:33] - Addressing Young People
- [01:04] - Oneist Ideologies
- [01:36] - Fear of Communism
- [02:16] - Secular Humanism as an Opponent
- [03:23] - Humanism and the Renaissance
- [03:57] - The Rise of Reason
- [04:40] - The Enlightenment's Impact
- [05:17] - The Kingdom of Man
- [05:53] - French Revolution and Reason
- [06:25] - Voltaire and Anti-Christian Sentiment
- [07:27] - Predictions of Religion's End
- [08:05] - Marx and Oneism
- [09:07] - Freud and Religion as Delusion
- [09:50] - Liberalism in the Church
- [10:57] - Demythologizing Christianity
- [12:13] - Darwin's Influence
- [13:23] - The Death of God Movement
- [14:33] - Decline of Christian Influence
- [15:32] - Defining Secular Humanism
- [17:17] - The Decline of Secular Humanism
- [19:37] - Alienation and Materialism
- [20:42] - Philosophical Weaknesses
- [21:49] - Postmodern Critique
- [22:49] - Antony Flew's Conversion
- [23:19] - New Spirituality Emerges

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Romans 1:21-23 - "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles."

2. Colossians 2:8 - "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."

3. 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 - "Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the two fundamental ideologies mentioned in the sermon that oppose the Christian worldview? [01:04]

2. How did the Enlightenment contribute to the rise of secular humanism, according to the sermon? [04:40]

3. What historical events are cited as contributing to the decline of secular humanism? [19:03]

4. How does the sermon describe the philosophical weaknesses of secular humanism? [20:42]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Romans 1:21-23 relate to the sermon’s discussion on the elevation of human reason over divine revelation? [03:57]

2. In what ways does Colossians 2:8 warn against the dangers of secular humanism as described in the sermon? [15:32]

3. How does 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 challenge the secular humanist belief in the supremacy of human wisdom? [08:35]

4. What does the conversion of Antony Flew suggest about the limitations of secular humanism, and how does this relate to the biblical perspective on wisdom? [22:49]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you relied solely on human reason rather than seeking divine guidance. How did that impact your decision-making process? [03:57]

2. How can you guard against being influenced by secular philosophies in your daily life, as warned in Colossians 2:8? [15:32]

3. In what ways can you actively seek a deeper spiritual connection to counteract feelings of alienation and materialism? [19:37]

4. How can the church today address the decline of secular humanism and the rise of new spiritualities in a way that is faithful to the gospel? [23:19]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you have placed human wisdom above God's wisdom. What steps can you take to realign your priorities? [08:35]

6. How can the story of Antony Flew’s conversion inspire you to engage in conversations about faith with those who hold secular beliefs? [22:49]

7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your worldview is rooted in biblical truth rather than the shifting ideologies of the world? [21:14]

Devotional

Day 1: The Conflict of Oneist Ideologies
Secular humanism and revived paganism, though seemingly different, share a Oneist ideology that fundamentally opposes the Christian worldview. This ideology elevates human reason above divine revelation, dismissing religious beliefs as superstition. Oneism is the belief that all reality is one, and it often manifests in ideologies that prioritize human reason and experience over divine truth. This worldview stands in contrast to the Christian belief in a transcendent God who is distinct from His creation. The rise of secular humanism during the Enlightenment was marked by an emphasis on human reason as the ultimate authority, leading to a dismissal of religious beliefs as mere superstition. This shift in thought has had a profound impact on contemporary culture, challenging Christians to reaffirm their faith in a world that often elevates human wisdom above divine revelation. [01:04]

"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:21-22, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you seen the elevation of human reason over divine revelation in your own life or community? How can you actively choose to prioritize God's wisdom in your daily decisions?


Day 2: The Enlightenment's Legacy
The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason as the ultimate authority led to a belief in a "kingdom of man on earth," which aligns with Oneism. This movement was notably expressed during the French Revolution, where reason was celebrated over religious faith. The Enlightenment brought about a significant shift in how people viewed the world, placing human reason at the center of understanding and progress. This period saw the rise of influential thinkers who challenged traditional religious beliefs, advocating for a society built on rational thought and empirical evidence. The French Revolution exemplified this shift, as it sought to establish a society free from the influence of the church, celebrating human reason as the guiding principle. This legacy continues to influence modern thought, prompting Christians to consider how they can engage with a culture that often values human achievement over divine guidance. [05:53]

"Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God." (1 Corinthians 3:18-19a, ESV)

Reflection: How can you discern between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom in your life? What steps can you take to ensure that your decisions are guided by God's truth rather than societal norms?


Day 3: The Decline of Secular Humanism
Despite its initial triumph, secular humanism is now witnessing a decline due to its philosophical weaknesses and the devastation caused by its materialistic worldview. This has led to a resurgence of interest in spirituality, as people seek a sense of wholeness beyond mere physical existence. The optimism of secular humanism was challenged by the harsh realities of the 20th century, including two World Wars and the rise of totalitarian regimes. These events exposed the limitations of a worldview that relies solely on human reason and materialism, leaving many feeling alienated and spiritually unfulfilled. As a result, there is a growing interest in spirituality and a search for meaning that transcends the physical world. This shift presents an opportunity for Christians to share the hope and wholeness found in a relationship with God. [19:37]

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life have you experienced the limitations of a materialistic worldview? How can you seek a deeper sense of spiritual fulfillment through your relationship with God?


Day 4: The Philosophical Weaknesses of Secular Humanism
The decline of secular humanism is also due to its reliance on the presupposition of human reason, which is inherently circular and lacks a solid foundation. Postmodern critiques have further undermined its credibility, highlighting the need for a more robust worldview. Secular humanism's emphasis on human reason as the ultimate authority is philosophically problematic, as it assumes what it seeks to prove. This circular reasoning has been challenged by postmodern thinkers who question the very foundations of human knowledge and understanding. As secular humanism's credibility wanes, there is a growing recognition of the need for a worldview that provides a more comprehensive understanding of reality. Christians are called to offer the hope and truth of the gospel as an alternative to the shifting sands of human philosophy. [21:14]

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you guard against being influenced by philosophies that are contrary to the gospel? What practices can you incorporate into your life to strengthen your understanding of God's truth?


Day 5: A New Spirituality Emerges
The conversion of prominent atheist Antony Flew to theism underscores the inability of secularism to justify the human mind. As secular humanism wanes, a new spirituality is emerging, reminiscent of ancient beliefs, signaling a shift in cultural paradigms. Antony Flew's journey from atheism to theism highlights the limitations of a secular worldview in providing a satisfactory explanation for the complexities of the human mind and existence. This shift is indicative of a broader cultural movement towards spirituality, as people seek answers to life's fundamental questions beyond the confines of secular thought. This emerging spirituality often draws on ancient beliefs and practices, reflecting a desire for connection with something greater than oneself. Christians have the opportunity to engage with this spiritual hunger by pointing others to the truth and hope found in Jesus Christ. [22:49]

"For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,' and again, 'The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.'" (1 Corinthians 3:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you engage with those who are exploring spirituality outside of traditional religious frameworks? What steps can you take to share the hope and truth of the gospel with those seeking spiritual fulfillment?

Quotes


And to understand our culture, we need to see that there are two fundamental ideologies that I will show at the end of my lectures possibly are really the same because they're Oneist, namely secular humanism and revive paganism. They're very different but at the end of the day, they are in their fundamental orientations of the world -- Oneist. [00:00:50]

And what you have you see is, from the intelligent use of individual reason which has produced the incredible successes of Western culture through science and technology. So, that one day human beings would walk on the moon; this kind of thinking became more and more enamored of its own power and felt that it was the only way of relating to the world -- that human reason was the source of truth. [00:03:49]

Optimism in what mankind could produce, its capacities to bring about a better world took the minds of intellectuals by storm and of course invaded the university. So that, so many of our intellectuals bought into this system. Bringing about if you like this vision of a kingdom of man on earth, you can already see how Oneist that is, right? [00:05:09]

The French philosopher who was part of this French Revolution -- Voltaire, was fundamentally anti-Christian. He was a friend by the way of Benjamin Franklin, who himself was a very conflicted man because some of you know that Benjamin Franklin was fascinated by George Whitfield and helped pay for some of his campaign. [00:06:25]

Sigmund Freud in his book "The Future of an Illusion" speaks about religion in particularism his own Judaism as a "mass delusion, a collective neurosis which enshrines our infantile longing." He actually describes it as a serious pathological condition from which one needed to be healed. Really massive anti-religious mindset going on amongst the intellectuals of the 19th and 20th centuries. [00:09:00]

Liberalism is the adaptation of the world's kind of thinking and trying to make it Christian, that's what liberals have done all through the ages since the beginning. Christianity, beginning with the Gnostics, who were the original liberals who tried to take pagan notions of the mystery religions and make them Christian. So that's the mechanism that liberals use. [00:10:11]

On a different level, the secular humanists were greatly influenced by Darwin, who would effectively eliminated belief in "God the Creator," and proposed in place of "God the Creator" the idea of an unguided and impersonal process of natural selection. Life came about by mere chance, and man was seen as the result of purposelessness and a mere natural process, that did not have him in mind by the way, and so we are really the result of chance. [00:12:13]

The final triumph then of secular humanism is to declare in America in the '70s that God had died. Secular humanism had won. Now in a certain sense, these predictions have come true. We're seeing the decline of the Christian faith in the population as a whole. No longer are many people influenced by a Christian way of thinking and I don't think we should hide our eyes from that. [00:14:06]

Let me give you a simple definition, it comes in various names. As an intellectual discipline, it is known as "philosophical materialism," that matter is ultimate. (In the beginning was matter.) That's the philosophy of materialism. As a religious expression, it is called 'Atheism', the faith belief that there is no God. There's no -- you can't prove that rationally, right? [00:15:32]

And the withering away of secular humanism, (oh let me just say it) the proof is, how many people now say, "I'm spiritual but not religious?" In other words, they are making a claim to spirituality which doesn't fit with secular humanism, right? -- That's superstition. Any kind of faith is superstition. [00:17:55]

And so secular humanism produced a profound sense of alienation from the rest of the universe. So we human beings, you see, are isolated in this massive cosmos, and we have no real relationship with the outside and so we have a profound sense of alienation. Have you met people like that? They are looking for a sense of wholeness. [00:19:45]

The greatest atheist of the 20th century finally has to admit that secularism cannot justify the human mind. Isn't that beautiful? But then, finally, there's a new way of thinking. It is the thinking of this new spirituality. David Miller, who was a professor at Syracuse University, and was one of the 'death of God' theologians actually said, "At the death of God, you will see the rebirth of the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece and Rome." [00:22:40]

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Transcript
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